Biography

Professor and founding chair of Environmental Science and Resource Management program Don Rodriguez joined the faculty at CSUCI from the College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. Dr. Rodriguez currently teaches natural resource management principals, environmental history, the National Park, and a field studies course in Costa Rica monitoring Ramsar wetland sites in Las Baulas National Park on the Nicoya Penninsula, He has led field courses in Mexico, Belize, and other parts of Latin America as well. Professor Rodriguez's research interests are divided between urban wildland interface issues, minority involvement with protected areas, and coastal management problems in the U.S. and abroad. Don has taught all aspects of park and protected area management including courses in park management principles, planning, and practices. Dr. Rodriguez works closely with the National Park Service two units in Ventura County (Channel Islands National Park, and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area) to create a "Park-University Learning Community" on campus that includes collaborative research, internships, and unique opportunities for CI students. Professor Rodriguez has published papers on monitoring human wildlife interactions, visitor needs assessment, outreach to diverse audiences, and park visitor management in a variety of journals and technical reports. Professor Rodriguez has been a research associate with Colorado State University’s Center for Protected Area Management and Training, and has conducted numerous park management training sessions in Ecuador's Galapagos National Park, and in Italy on the island of Sardinia. He has worked extensively for the Belize government since 1992. During this time he has conducted ranger training workshops throughout the country, and currently serves as a consultant to the Belize Protected Area Conservation Trust. He is married and has three children. An avid fly fisherman and outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys a variety of outdoor pursuits with his family including camping, hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.